SPECIAL COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE - UK DRAFT PRST

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000498

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREF PREL
SUBJECT: SPECIAL COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE - UK DRAFT PRST



1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 2
below. The UK distributed the draft UNSCR Presidential
Statement (PRST) contained in paragraph 3 below to the
Special Court for Sierra Leone Management Committee on June

15. The UK indicated that since the June 8 UNSC meeting on
the Special Court was such a positive meeting, Council
adoption of a PRST on the subject would capitalize on this
positive energy.


2. (U) USUN requests instructions on U.S. reactions to the
UK draft PRST contained in para 3 below.


3. (U) Quote. "The Security Council expresses its warm
appreciation to the President and Prosecutor of the Special
Court for Sierra Leone for their briefing on the activities
of the Special Court during the debate of the Security
Council on 7 June 2007.

The Security Council reiterates its strong support for the
Special Court and welcomes the progress achieved in this
context, the Security Council notes the contribution of the
Special Court to strengthening stability in Sierra Leone and
the sub-region and bringing an end to impunity.

The Security Council welcomes the commencement of the trial
of Charles Taylor on 4 June 2007, following the adoption of
resolution 1688(2006).

The Security Council welcomes the Special Courts progress
towards achieving its completion strategy. The Security
Council underlines its expectation that all organs of the
Court will do their utmost to finish its work in accordance
with the completion strategy.

The Security Council takes note of the Special Court,s
ongoing needs for financial support, and urges the
international community to continue to support the Court as
it moves into its final stage of work. In particular, the
Security Council emphasizes the vital need for further
pledges of voluntary contributions in order to tallow the
Court to complete its mandate in a timely manner and urges
all UN Member States to consider making such pledges.

The Security Council also notes the varied challenges
remaining for the Special Court to fulfill its mandate, and
urges States to consider supporting the Special Court by
assisting entering into appropriate arrangements with the
Special Court for witness relocation and enforcement of
sentences.

The Security Council commends the important Outreach work of
the Special Court in bringing its judicial work to the
attention of the people of Sierra Leone, and thereby
contributing to the restoration of the rule of law.

The Security Council notes that further arrangements will be
needed to address residual matters after trials and appeals
are completed, including issues arising from long-term
enforcement of sentences for convicted persons and he future
trial of any indictees remaining at large." End Quote.
WOLFF